1. A new and distinct variety of rose plant of the hybrid tea class substantially as herein shown and described, characterized particularly by its strong fragrance; large flowerspresented singly; glossy, powdery mildew resistant foliage; vigorous, upright

Description:

The present invention relates to a new and distinct variety of rose plant of the hybrid tea class which wasoriginated by me by crossing an unnamed, rose-red hybrid tea seedling, the parentage of which is an unnamed red hybrid tea seedling.times.unnamed lavender hybrid tea seedling, with `JACsos` (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 8,235).

The primary objective of this breeding was to produce a new rose variety having the strong scent, large hybrid tea flowers and upright growth of the unnamed female parent combined with the glossy, dense foliage and vigorous growth of the maleparent, `JACsos`. The objective was substantially achieved, along with other desirable improvements, as evidenced by the following unique combination of characteristics that are outstanding in the new variety and that distinguish it from its parents, aswell as from all other varieties of which I am aware:

1. Strong fragrance;

2. Large flowers;

3. Glossy, powdery mildew resistant foliage;

4. Vigorous, upright growth;

5. Dense foliage;

6. Flowers presented one per stem.

Asexual reproduction of this new variety by budding, as performed at Wasco, Calif., shows that the foregoing and all other characteristics and distinctions come true to form and are established and transmitted through succeeding propagations.

The accompanying illustration shows typical specimens of the vegetative growth and flowers of this new variety in different stages of development, depicted in color as nearly true as it is reasonably possible to make the same in a colorillustration of this character.

The following is a detailed description of my new rose cultivar with color descriptions using terminology in accordance with The Royal Horticutural Society (London) Colour Chart, except where ordinary dictionarysignificance of color is indicated.

Observations made from specimens grown in a garden environment at Somis, Calif. from March, 1996 to December, 1997.

Blooming habit: Recurrent.

Bud:

Size.--11/2" long when the petals start to unfurl.

Form.--The bud form is long, pointed ovoid.

Color.--When sepals first divide, bud color is White Group 155D with occasional blotches of Red Group 55B. When half blown, the upper sides of the petals are White Group 155D with petals edged in Red Group 55B and a light blush over the white ofRed Group 56B and the lower sides of the petals are White Group 155D.

Sepals: Color: Green Group 138B. Surface texture: Covered in fine hairs. There are three normally to heavily appendaged sepals. There are two unappendaged sepals with hairy edges.

Color.--The upper sides of the petals are White Group 155D edged in Red Group 55B with a light blush over the white of Red Group 56B. The reverse sides of the petals are White Group 155D. The base of each petal has a Yellow Group 3C half moon(3/16.times.3/16") at the point of attachment. The major color on the upper sides is White Group 155D.

Variegations.--There are occasional greenish streaks on the guard petals.

Discoloration.--At the end of the first day: No change. At the end of the third day: No change. By day six or seven fades to pure white.

Fragrance.--Strong.

Petals:

Texture.--Thick.

Shape.--Round to deltoid.

Form.--Tips slightly recurved.

Arrangement.--Imbricated. Petaloids in the center are few.

Persistence.--Petals drops off cleanly before drying.

Lastingness.--On the plant: Long (7-8 days). As a cut flower: Long (9-10days).